Part 1: Deployment, Staffing, Training, and Procedures for Fire Investigation
I think that our department is successful in deployment, staffing, training, and developing effective procedures for fire investigation. Our fire department’s framework for fire investigation is effective because it focuses on primary and secondary fires. In this sense, the department can identify fire causes and origins by following the framework. The department team consists of highly trained and experienced individuals who can investigate the circumstances that might cause a fire. The investigation involves recording the information and evidence collected from the fire scene to develop accurate measures for fire prevention. The information helps the department determine whether fire prevention aligns with the company’s structure.
I feel that the department is prepared for fire investigation because of its collaboration with other fire agencies to ensure accurate investigation. While the fire is often destructive and consumes the initial evidence, the department is ready to collaborate with various fire agencies to improve fire investigation skills and knowledge. The department is also ready to involve law enforcement agencies in fire investigation. In essence, the department believes that various fire agencies and law enforcement will help determine the actual fire cause and origin. Furthermore, the department educates employees about safe practices that might enhance accurate fire investigation.
Part 2: The Arson Investigation Process
The arson investigation process involves five steps. The first step is arriving at the scene, whereby first responders observe and mentally note various conditions that can enhance the investigation. The second step is evaluating the scene based on the conditions provided by the first responders. In this case, investigators ensure the scene safety to ensure accurate investigation. The third step involves documenting the scene after investigators evaluate the scene. The documentation helps record initial observations permanently. After documentation, investigators proceed to step four, which involves processing the evidence based on the information. Dixon & Kelly (2016) suggest that investigators should be careful enough to avoid contaminating evidence. The final step is completing the investigation, whereby investigators submit the report to the organization for course actions.
Professional Certification and Training Requirements for Fire Investigators
Certified Fire and Explosion Investigators (CFEI) offers professional certification for fire investigation. According to Dixon & Kelly (2016), candidates have been receiving CFEI credential since 1983. Only candidates who pass the basic exam get the certification. Advanced certification is awarded for Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI) and Certified Fire Investigation Instructor (CFII). A professional fire investigator must have CFEI, CFII, and CVFI certifications.
Moreover, professionals undergo fire prevention training to improve their skills. Dixon & Kelly (2016) argue that training is necessary for professional certification and designation. Thus, certified fire and explosion investigators often undergo recertification training to ensure their competence. The investigators must have the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certification.
How Fire Tests and Fire-Related Materials Assist in Investigation
While fire engineers identify risks and formulate safeguards, fire testers assist them in mitigating fire effects. Cote & Grant (2018) argue that fire testing is an essential component of promoting consumer regulations. Fire engineers use testers to determine materials’ vulnerability. The test involves exposing a material or product to an ignition source.
Ballistic vest is another essential fire-related material that protests fire captains and firefighters from exposure to extreme heat. Although some people think that that ballistic vests inhibit firefighters’ free movement, they are thin and lightweight to facilitate free movement (Dixon & Kelly, 2016). Ballistic vests have three prevention levels. Higher protection levels can protect a firefighter against an attack with greater force.
Importance of Fire Suppression Systems to Arson
Actions taken during fire investigation in the arson scene are useful in establishing an effective solution. According to Cote & Grant (2018), a careful and thorough investigation is key to preventing physical evidence from destruction. In this regard, fire suppression systems facilitate an organization’s fire prevention process that maintains physical evidence. Fire suppression systems are engineered units that extinguish the fire using substances. Thus, they protect physical evidence by minimizing physical activities that would destroy structures. The systems also have heat and smoke signals that promote quick response, preventing extreme burning and fire spreading that would destroy physical evidence.
Model Fire Marshal Law
Model fire marshal law focuses on enhancing fire safety procedures. The model is useful in fire investigation because it helps keep the scene safe for investigators. Cote & Grant (2018) argue that a fire marshal has two priorities: safe emergency evacuation and fire prevention. Fire investigators can use a fire marshal to draw evidence and identify the fire’s cause and origin since the model maintains the scene. The model can also assist investigators in identifying fire cause. For example, the investigators may use the fire captain to determine the cause since they use marshal for fire prevention.